Off Reserve First Nation Child Welfare Representative

Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation; Port Perry; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A First Nation community organization in Port Perry is seeking an experienced Off Reserve First Nation Child Welfare Representative to ensure the welfare of children in a culturally appropriate manner. This role involves safeguarding community interests, legal participation, and travel for site visits. The ideal candidate will have a Social Work Diploma, relevant experience, and a strong understanding of Indigenous culture. Competitive pay at $38.66 - $44.30 per hour, with benefits including vacation pay and an employee assistance program.

Benefits

Access to Employee and Family Assistance Program

6% vacation pay

Paid Christmas shutdown

Qualifications

• 3 years of related work experience, 5 years total work experience or equivalent training.
• Experience supporting First Nation families and children.
• Familiarity with court procedures related to child protection.

Responsibilities

• Support clients in accessing community resources.
• Maintain full party status in child protection matters.
• Provide intervention and advocacy to keep families together.
• Respond to urgent situations on a rotation with staff.

Skills

Knowledge of Indigenous culture

Ability to manage multiple cases

Strong communication skills

Ability to collaborate with families

Education

Social Work Diploma

Legal Services Diploma

Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or Psychology

Job description

Overview

The Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation (MSIFN) is seeking an experienced Off Reserve First Nation Child Welfare Representative to join the community and work with members and the management team in Scugog, ON on a fixed-term contract (12 months). The role operates Monday to Thursday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, and Friday 8:30 am to 1:00 pm, with after-hours emergency on-call rotation.

About MSIFN

Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation is a strong, vibrant, and progressive Indigenous community. Located about a 1.5-hour drive from Toronto and near Port Perry, MSIFN is proud of Indigenous culture and rights. We are led by an elected Council and a Senior Management Team and value collaboration, professionalism, flexibility, and respect in the workplace.

Position

Off Reserve First Nation Child Welfare Representative (FNCWR) appointed by MSIFN. Location: Scugog, ON. Status: fixed-term contract (12 months).

Position duties include safeguarding MSIFN interests in child welfare and protection matters, active participation in legal proceedings, and frequent travel (approximately 50%) for site visits and meetings, including occasional overnight stays. Duties require flexibility to work outside regular hours and to participate in an on-call rotation for urgent child welfare matters. Work occurs in diverse settings such as family homes, community spaces, and partner agency offices, with a commitment to holistic and culturally grounded service delivery. The FNCWR will handle sensitive information with discretion and uphold MSIFN cultural heritage, traditions, and rights throughout all processes.

Collaborative work with other MSIFN Child Welfare staff and engagement with external committees to improve supports for children and families is expected.

Essential Functions

• Support clients in accessing and utilizing community resources, including legal aid, medical services, financial assistance, housing, employment opportunities, health and social services, transportation, moving support, child care, and other referrals
• Maintain full party status in hearings and child protection matters involving MSIFN children; assess the need for legal counsel; coordinate alternative dispute resolution to reduce the number of MSIFN children in care
• Provide knowledge and promotion of culturally appropriate care options to courts, agencies, and Children’s Aid Societies; act as a key contact for MSIFN
• Maintain connections to communities by working with communities, agencies, and children’s aid organizations in other jurisdictions and repatriate children as needed
• Accompany youth and family care workers at investigations into protection concerns to determine best care for the child
• Receive notifications and monitor Temporary Care, Customary Care, and Voluntary Service Agreements with Children’s Aid Organizations/Societies
• Provide comprehensive family support services, including regular care and home visits that reflect MSIFN values and traditions
• Liaise with other First Nation Child Welfare Representatives, Agencies, and Legal Counsel; contribute to the Client’s Plan of Care
• Support children and families in accessing internal and community-based programs and services, including Healthy Lifestyles, addictions and mental health services, housing, and employment supports
• Provide intervention, advocacy, and guidance to keep families together and facilitate reunification while maintaining cultural connections
• Prepare for and attend court hearings; provide presentations in court; prepare and respond to legal documents
• Budgeting, financial monitoring, reporting, and maintaining program statistics; document and maintain child and family services records
• Emergency on-call Child Welfare Service: respond to urgent situations outside regular hours on a rotation with MSIFN health and social services staff
• Collaborate with MSIFN Child Welfare staff to ensure continuity of services
• Engage with external committees to research strategies that enhance supports and services in a culturally appropriate and community-driven way

Pay and Benefits

Pay rate: $38.66 - $44.30 per hour (Pay Grade F)

Benefits: Access to Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP); 6% vacation pay; 14 stat holidays; 2 weeks paid Christmas shutdown

Minimum Qualifications

• Social Work Diploma and/or Legal Services Diploma
• 3 years of related work experience, 5 years total work experience or equivalent training as determined by the hiring committee
• Experience in social services or a comparable discipline
• Experience supporting First Nation families and children
• Practical experience engaging with the Family Court system

Specialization Required

• Valid driver’s license and $1M liability insurance
• CPIC acceptable to position upon conditional offer
• First Aid and CPR Certification
• Knowledge of Indigenous culture, traditions, and community dynamics
• Deep knowledge of Indigenous cultural practices, identity preservation, and customary care principles
• Familiarity with court procedures, hearings, dispute resolution, and legal documentation related to child protection; ability to represent MSIFN in legal settings, including ADR
• Comprehensive knowledge of the Child and Family Services Act and related legislation; familiarity with local child welfare agencies
• Strong ability to prepare reports, present in court, and liaise with agencies, families, and legal counsel
• Ability to manage multiple cases and ensure culturally appropriate placements
• Ability to respond to urgent child welfare situations and maintain confidentiality
• Ability to collaborate within the circle of care to support families and communities
• Ability to prepare, manage, and monitor budgets and ensure funding compliance

Assets

• Bachelor’s Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS) in Social Work or Psychology
• Work experience with First Nation or Indigenous organizations
• Band Rep Training (AEI North Bay)
• Alternative Dispute Resolution Training

Note: A Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search (CPIC/VSS) is required upon conditional offer; expenses reimbursed after orientation.

Apply Now